You are here:

Genesis HealthCare Foundation Announces Recipient of Volunteer Award

Zanesville, OH (Sept. 26, 2014) – The Genesis HealthCare System Foundation announced Bobbie Gonder as the recipient of the first Kay Mell Memorial Volunteer Award. Gonder volunteered at the Genesis Pro-Am Golf Tournament for more than 30 years. She helped with raffle and pari-mutuel sales, was a hole-in-one observer, and had many other duties during the three-day tournament. Gonder enjoyed volunteering because of her love of golf.

The volunteer award was established this year in memory of Kay Mell. Mell was a longtime Pro-Am volunteer and an integral part of the event. She died in July after an extended illness. “She was loved by all who knew her,” said Paul McClelland, executive director, Genesis HealthCare Foundation.

The award recognizes the contribution of all volunteers who make the Pro-Am a success. Each year, about 90 people help with everything from selling raffle tickets to registration to being a course marshal. “The tournament wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers,” McClelland said.

“The efforts of the volunteers make it possible to raise $120,000 to $140,000 every year to support quality health care in our community,” McClelland said. This year’s proceeds will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art security system for the nursery in the new Genesis hospital.

The funds also help provide scholarships to students in the community. Gonder’s husband, John, was the Genesis HealthCare Foundation’s director of development. After he died, a memorial fund was established in his name to award scholarships to students in the community pursing a health care-related field.

Dave Mell, son of Kay Mell, presents the first Kay Mell Volunteer Award to Bobbie Gonder. Pictured left to right are Dave Mell, Bobbie Gonder, recipient; and Ellen Hillis, development consultant, Genesis HealthCare Foundation.

About Genesis HealthCare System

Genesis is an integrated health care delivery system based in Southeastern Ohio. The system includes Genesis Hospital, a not-for-profit hospital in Zanesville; signature services include Heart, Lung & Vascular; Women’s and Children's; Emergency & Trauma; Cancer Services; Neurosciences & Orthopedics; an extensive network of more than 300 physicians; and multiple outpatient care centers throughout the region. Affiliates of Genesis include Northside Pharmacies, Northside Oxygen & Medical Equipment Company, Community Ambulance Service, Genesis Children's Center and more.